‎COSORI ‎CAF-L501 Air Fryer - Review

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthier alternative to deep frying. These countertop appliances use rapid air circulation and convection heat to cook food with little to no oil, resulting in fried favorites like chicken wings, french fries, and more with up to 85% less fat than traditional deep frying. Air frying produces food with a light crispiness on the outside and tender interior using just a tablespoon or two of oil or even none at all.

The technology allows you to enjoy fried flavors and textures without the unwanted calories from being fully submerged in oil. Air fryers have many benefits beyond their low-fat capabilities as well. They are convenient, easy to use, and quick to cook foods in comparison to turning on the oven. Their compact size takes up minimal counter space. Air frying also reduces unwanted smoke and grease that comes from deep frying. With so many advantages, it's no wonder air fryers have become a must-have appliance for healthy cooking.

Overview of the COSORI Air Fryer

The COSORI Air Fryer CAF-L501 is a mid-sized air fryer with a modern, sleek design. It has a rounded square shape with easy-to-use touchscreen controls on the top and a pull out drawer with a non-stick basket inside.

Key features of the COSORI Air Fryer include:

• Model: COSORI CAF-L501
• Dimensions: 12.6 x 11.9 x 12.2 inches
• Capacity: 5.8 quart basket
• Wattage: 1700W
• Temperature Range: 170°F - 400°F
• Timer Range: 1 - 60 minutes
• Weight: 15.4 pounds

With a 5.8 quart basket capacity, this air fryer can hold up to 5-6 servings of food like fries, chicken wings, frozen snacks and more. The 1700W of power delivers fast heat up times and crispy air fried results. The touch controls make it easy to set your desired time and temperature. Overall, it's a good sized air fryer for families or those who cook in batches.

The COSORI Air Fryer CAF-L501 is a popular model with lots of positive reviews. It's a bit more expensive than some basic air fryer models, but the large capacity, wide temperature range, and thoughtful design make it a great mid-range choice. The non-stick basket and dishwasher safe parts make cleanup easy. Some users mention the touch controls can be overly sensitive, but most are very happy with the performance and quality.

If you're looking for a similar large capacity air fryer, another option to consider is the EUARY KW1099 Air Fryer. This model also has a 5.8 quart basket size and 1700 watts of power. The EUARY KW1099 has a classic dial control design rather than digital touchscreen. It has a temperature range of 180°F to 400°F. The timer goes up to 60 minutes just like the COSORI. It comes with dishwasher safe parts for easy cleanup. Overall, the EUARY KW1099 is very comparable to the COSORI in terms of size and functionality. It costs a bit less, so it's a good budget-friendly alternative.

When choosing between the COSORI CAF-L501 and EUARY KW1099 air fryers, the main differences come down to the control type and look/design. The COSORI has an updated modern look with digital touchscreen, while the EUARY has a more classic analog dial knob design. Both will deliver excellent air frying results. The COSORI may justify its higher price for some users who prefer the digital interface and aesthetics. But the EUARY KW1099 is a great affordable option with equivalent performance.

No matter which 5.8 quart air fryer you choose, you'll be able to cook family-sized batches of crispy wings, fries, nuggets and more. Just keep in mind these air fryers have a large footprint, so make sure you have ample counter space. Be sure to refer to the manufacturer's recommended cooking times and temperatures when trying out new air fryer recipes. With some trial and error, you'll be able to adapt traditional fried favorites into healthier air fried meals.

Design and Build Quality

The COSORI Air Fryer CAF-L501 has an attractive and modern design with a sleek black finish that will look great in any kitchen. It is made from high quality materials including a brushed stainless steel front panel and a plastic body, giving it a premium feel.

Despite the plastic construction, the air fryer feels very sturdy and durable. The materials seem thick and strong enough to withstand daily use. The basket has a non-stick coating which prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning much easier. After cooking, a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is generally enough to keep the air fryer looking good as new.

There are no awkward seams or gaps where grease could build up, so cleaning is simplified. The air fryer basket and crisping tray are both dishwasher safe as well for easy cleaning. Overall, the design and materials make the COSORI air fryer simple to keep clean and looking great over time.

The COSORI CP158-AF is another popular air fryer from COSORI with a similar high quality design and construction. It has a sleek modern look with a rounded square shape and black/steel color scheme. The touchscreen control panel gives it a high-tech feel. Like the CAF-L501, the CP158-AF is made from thick, durable plastic that can withstand daily use. It feels sturdy and solid when handling it. The non-stick basket and crisping tray allow for easy cooking and fast cleanup. Both pieces can be removed and placed in the dishwasher, adding to the convenience. See our full review of the COSORI CP158-AF for more details on the performance and ease of use offered by this comparable air fryer model.

In terms of capacity, the CP158-AF has a 5.8 qt basket which can hold around 5-6 servings of food. This is a good size for most households. Despite the large capacity, the overall footprint of the air fryer is quite compact at 11.8 x 11.8 x 12.6 inches. It won't take up too much room on your kitchen counter. As with most other COSORI models, the CP158-AF seems very thoughtfully designed. It combines an attractive look with sturdy construction and user-friendly cooking features. The quality and durability make it a smart investment for those wanting a reliable air fryer that also looks great.

Settings and Features

The COSORI Air Fryer CAF-L501 comes with an intuitive touchscreen control panel that allows you to easily select from 11 preset cooking modes - air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate, preheat, keep warm, shrimp, fish, and steak.

The touchscreen buttons are responsive and easy to operate. Simply tap the icon to select your desired cooking mode, adjust the temperature using the +/- buttons, and set the timer. The large LED display clearly shows the selected settings.

Temperature can be adjusted from 170°F to 400°F in 5°F increments, providing a wide range for air frying, baking, roasting, broiling, dehydrating, and more. The timer goes up to 60 minutes which is sufficient for most recipes.

Some handy pre-programmed settings include the air fry mode which is preset to 380°F, and the roast mode preset to 350°F. This takes the guesswork out and sets optimal temperatures for common uses.

There are also specialized presets for shrimp, fish and steak that adjust the temperature and time automatically based on the food type selected. Overall, the intuitive controls and presets make this air fryer very easy to operate.

Performance and Results

The COSORI Air Fryer performs extremely well at air frying a wide variety of foods to crispy, delicious perfection. Its advanced heating system and powerful fan circulate hot air at high speed to cook food using little to no oil. This makes it easy to create healthier versions of fried favorites with up to 85% less fat than deep frying.

When it comes to french fries, this air fryer consistently produces crispy fries on the outside with a fluffy interior. Homemade fries come out with a satisfying crunch and delicious flavor thanks to the Maillard reaction which caramelizes the natural sugars. The fries have a similar taste and texture as deep fried but are much lower in fat and calories.

Chicken wings also become perfectly crispy in the COSORI. The skin gets deliciously crunchy and full of flavor while the meat stays juicy and tender. The air fryer allows you to achieve the same tasty wings as deep frying without needing all the oil.

For foods like fish fillets, shrimp, and breaded items like mozzarella sticks or jalapeño poppers, the COSORI excels at creating an evenly crispy outer coating. Meats come out succulent, seafood stays tender and moist, and breaded items get satisfying crunch.

When it comes to cooking times and preheating, the COSORI performs quickly thanks to its 1700 watt heating system and rapid air circulation. It can preheat in just 3 minutes and most foods cook fast, so you can have crispy, delicious air fried meals ready in under 30 minutes.

Overall, the COSORI consistently delivers outstanding air frying results across a variety of foods. It rivals deep fried taste and texture but with the benefits of using little to no oil. This makes it easy to cook up healthier versions of fried favorites to satisfaction.

Ease of Use

Setting up the COSORI Air Fryer CAF-L501 is straightforward. It comes with an instruction manual that provides clear directions for assembly. The fryer has an intuitive touchscreen interface with preset programs, adjustable temperature and timer settings.

The digital controls are very easy to use. You simply need to select your desired cooking preset or manually set the temperature and timer. There are 11 presets for common foods like fries, steak, chicken, seafood etc. which takes the guesswork out of air frying. The touch buttons give a beep confirmation when pressed.

Cooking in the COSORI fryer is hassle-free. The square basket design allows you to easily fit a variety of ingredients. It's large enough to cook food for 2-4 people. The non-stick basket and crisper plate are removable and dishwasher safe making cleanup a breeze. There's minimal oil spatter during cooking so not much mess to clean up afterwards either.

Overall, the intuitive controls, presets, and dishwasher safe parts make the COSORI Air Fryer very simple and convenient to use on a daily basis. It's one of the easiest to use air fryer models available.

Noise Level

The COSORI Air Fryer operates at a reasonable noise level, with most users reporting it as relatively quiet. The fan and motor produce some low humming during operation, but it's not overly loud or disruptive.

Many reviewers mention being able to carry on conversations, watch TV, or listen to music without the air fryer drowning out the other sounds. The noise level remains consistent and doesn't fluctuate much between low and high settings. Some users note the noise being comparable to a small countertop microwave oven.

Overall, the COSORI Air Fryer noise level shouldn't be an issue for most home kitchens. It's quiet enough for apartment or condo living and won't disturb others even in open concept spaces. The gentle hum is noticeable yet unobtrusive, allowing you to use the air fryer without it dominating the acoustic space. Unless you require a completely silent cooking appliance, the operating volume shouldn't deter you from considering this model.

Safety Features

The COSORI Air Fryer CAF-L501 has several important safety features that give peace of mind while using this kitchen appliance.

Auto Shut Off

One of the most useful safety features is the auto shut off, which turns the air fryer off automatically after cooking time is complete. This prevents overcooking or burning food if you forget to turn it off manually. The auto shut off is triggered after the cooking program finishes.

Cool Touch Exterior

The exterior of the COSORI air fryer remains cool to the touch even during and after cooking. This is thanks to the double layer metal housing, which prevents excess heat from radiating outward. You can safely pick up or move the air fryer without burning your hands after it has been running. The cool touch exterior makes storage easier too since you don't have to wait for it to cool down before putting it away.

These thoughtful safety features give an added level of protection and convenience when using the COSORI Air Fryer CAF-L501 on a daily basis. You don't have to worry about forgetting to turn it off or burning yourself on a hot surface.

Accessories Included

The COSORI Air Fryer CAF-L501 comes with several handy accessories to help you get the most out of this appliance.

Extra Trays

In addition to the main fryer basket, COSORI includes two extra trays - an air fryer rack and a square baking pan. The air fryer rack increases the cooking surface, allowing you to cook more food at once. It's great for foods like fries, chicken wings, or anything you want crispy on all sides. The square baking pan turns your air fryer into a mini oven, perfect for baking small cakes, quiches, or roasting vegetables.

Cookbooks

COSORI provides a helpful recipe booklet with 100 original, air fryer-optimized recipes to try. Recipes cover breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, with both simple and gourmet options. The recipes specify cooking temps and times for the COSORI model. This makes it easy to start cooking without having to adapt traditional oven recipes.

Other Accessories

A few other handy accessories include silicone pot holders to safely remove hot trays, a magnetic cheat sheet listing cooking times, and an oil brush for lightly greasing foods. COSORI also provides a 12-month warranty and customer service to help with any issues.

Pros and Cons

The COSORI Air Fryer CAF-L501 has several pros and cons worth considering.

Pros

• Large 5.8qt basket capacity fits up to 5lb of food
• 11 preset functions for air frying, roasting, broiling, and more
• Adjustable temperature up to 205°C
• Features shake reminder alerts
• Dishwasher safe basket and crisper plate
• Intuitive touchscreen controls
• Preheats quickly
• Produces crispy results with 85% less fat than deep frying
• Comes with 100 original recipes

Cons

• Bulky size takes up counter space
• Basket doesn't have non-stick coating
• Mesh basket allows smaller foods to fall through
• Fan noise can be disruptive during cooking
• Exterior gets hot to the touch during use
• Short power cord limits placement
• Only available in black color

The COSORI air fryer offers a good balance of large capacity, versatile cooking functions, and ease of use. But the bulky footprint, lack of non-stick basket, and loud fan are downsides to consider. Overall it's a quality air fryer with ample cooking space, though some design flaws impact convenience.